Travel Guest Post: Chalet Holidays

Skiing is the type of holiday pursuit that will instantly conjure images of luxury and glamour in the layman’s eyes. James Bond, log fires and sweeping mountain vistas all come to mind when alpine pursuits are mentioned. The initiated know only too well that it isn’t always so. Pulling on a big pair of plastic boots and traipsing through a seventies architectural nightmare each morning to the slopes, doesn’t exactly fit in with peoples’ romanticised ideals. Don’t misunderstand me, skiing is a wonderful leisure activity and ski holidays can be blissfully relaxing and self-indulgent, but it’s important to choose your resort and accommodation carefully, if high-end luxury is what you have in mind.

Chalet holidays offer the kind of comfort and relaxation that make it so much easier to cope with the high-energy demands of a week on the slopes. Having a dedicated team of staff looking after your every need leaves you free to relax and recuperate, ready to hit the slopes fresh and revived at the start of each day. Added to this, many chalets offer ‘ski-in, ski-out’ which eliminates the, often arduous, hike to the lifts, as mentioned above.

Below is a selection of chalets and resorts that will ensure your skiing holiday lives up to your most extravagant expectations.

Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère is one of the older, more established skiing destinations and was first skied in the 1930s. It has grown in popularity ever since and the resort now features four 5 star hotels and many high-end chalets, one such being ‘Chalet Apeloosa’ complete with its own hammam and jacuzzi.

Les Arcs

Les Arcs is a series of purpose-built resorts with access to over 400km of ski runs in the Paradiski area. Chalet Eagle’s Nest, in the Peisey-Nancroix area of Les Arcs, is a traditional, alpine wood and stone chalet, walking distance from the nearest lift. Decked out inside with antique timber and wooden beams, Eagle’s Nest is favoured by stunning views of the surrounding Tarentaise valley through panoramic windows. It also has its own private sauna and steam room and there is scope to enjoy the view outside from the hot tub on the south-facing terrace.

La Plagne

La Plagne is linked with Les Arcs to form the Paradiski area, one of the largest in France. The resort comprises four conurbations in; Aime, Bellentre, Champagny-en-Vanoise and Mâcot-la-Plagne all with their own unique character. The Lugano Suite in ‘Plagne Centre’, benefits from a piste-side place. The décor is less alpine chic and more boutique hotel, so the experienced luxury traveller will be accommodated in the style to which they are accustomed. This isn’t to say that the Lugano isn’t cosy, the traditional log fireplace should certainly see to this. Less traditional, but equally luxurious, the private beauty treatment room will mean you’ll never have a hair out-of-place as you relax on the balconies overlooking the spectacular Grand Rochette.

Les Coches

Les Coches is a part of the La Plagne/Paradiski area and was founded in its present form around 40 years ago on the edge of alpine forest, it’s known for its cobbled streets and wood, stone and slate chalets. Chalet Pisteside is a lavish ski-in, ski-out lodge, you can ski up to the front door. The chalet’s features begin before you’ve even crossed the threshold, with the 7-seater hot-tub on the balcony with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. All 9 bedrooms benefit from marble lined en-suite bathrooms and picture-windows with views of the Isère valley.

Sainte Foy

The resort of Sainte Foy is based around an old farming hamlet high in the Tarentaise region of the French Alps. Unlike many modern ski resorts, Sainte Foy has managed to keep its rustic charm and feels like a real mountain village. This in no ways means sacrificing modern-day luxuries however, Chalet Shanti provides this in spades. 100 metres from the slopes, the warm and cosy décor, teamed with log fire and comfy sofas make it the perfect place for resting those weary legs. If that doesn’t do it for you, the hot tub, sauna, wet area, spa treatment and massage room will certainly help. It also adds that extra level of opulence. Watch your own private chef prepare your meals as you sip champagne and admire the amazing mountain views.

Rental Republic operate in resorts across the Alps, covering La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d’Isère, Tignes, Sainte Foy and La Rosière, offering the highest standard equipment available with ski and snowboard rental and an in-chalet fitting service.

Travel Guest Post: Planning Your First Skiing Holiday

Taking the plunge and deciding on a skiing holiday is probably one of the best holidaying decisions you will ever make. Nothing beats the pure exhilaration of hitting the slopes for the first time – and when that is combined with the relaxation and comfort of a skiing resort you’ve got the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.

But to make sure you get the most out of your skiing holiday, it’s important to plan your visit – especially if it’s your first skiing holiday and you’re not yet familiar with ski resorts and holidays on the slopes. To that end, here’s a useful guide to help you plan your first skiing holiday.

Before you leave…

Before you head off on holiday to your ski resort of choice, there are several things you can do to make sure you make the most of your skiing holiday. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that skiing can be a strenuous activity, and can become even more so when you’re on the slopes everyday. It can be useful to get some exercise in before heading off on holiday. Cardio training like running, cycling and rowing is a great way to keep fitness levels up, which can help you enjoy the pleasures of skiing much more and even progress quicker. To help with this, a lot of gyms run ‘ski-fit’ courses.

As well as general exercise, it is also a good idea to get some skiing practice in before hitting the slopes for real. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a complete novice, a bit of practice beforehand goes a long way when you’re careering down the mountain! Ski lessons are a great way to either ‘keep your eye in’ or learn to ski from scratch before your ski holiday.

What to take with you…

It may be stating the obvious, but skiing holidays are a bit different to the usual city breaks and beach holidays – and therefore need a bit of extra planning.

As well as the usual stuff like passports, local currency and travel documents, skiing holidays need specific insurance policies and a lot of ski resorts will need photos for lift passes. On top of this you need to take along the right skiing equipment. A lot of this, like skis and snowboards can be hired at ski resorts, but it’s a good idea to pack warm winter clothing to make sure you’ve got plenty of options to keep warm. A handy backpack is also recommended so you can take supplies out with you up the mountains and keep you stocked up for the day.

One mistake a lot of first timers make is to not pack sun cream and lip block. Despite the snow and cold weather, the sun can be extremely strong when you’re high up – so high protection is recommended.

If you’re planning your first skiing trip, the above will serve as a good guide to the kind of preparation you need to make before you leave on what should be an exciting and memorable holiday. If you have any other hints or tips to plan a ski holiday, please share them in the comments below.

Travel Guest Post: Luxury Ski Destinations

Whistler

Located in British Columbia, Canada, Whistler has over 200 trails with runs suitable for all abilities. It was the location of the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic games. Whistler is also one of the most environmentally friendly ski resorts with aims to continually reduce its carbon footprint.

Vail

The second largest ski resort in North America opened in 1962. It has 193 marked trails and is suitable for all skiers, from beginners to the expert. There is a shuttle bus that runs to the town every 5 minutes at peak season and every 15 during low season. Cheap ski deals can be arranged throughout the year.

Bansko

The premier ski resort in Bulgaria is the hugely popular Bansko. Over the last few years a massive amount of investment money has turned the relatively quiet and unknown ski resort into one that is growing at a rate of knots.  Popular with skiers of all abilities and snowboarders alike, Bansko looks set to become one of Europe’s front most Ski Resorts and is a great place to find cheap ski deals.

Lech

What started off as a barely accessible village is now one of the most picturesque ski resorts in Austria. The number of skiers per day is limited, and warning signs let potential skiers know when this number is reached via signposts outside of the village. This gives the resort an air of exclusivity, but it helps to ensure each skier has plenty of space on the slopes.

Breckenridge

The US’s highest ski resort is located in Colorado. The resort town dates back to the mid-1800s. There are over 150 ski runs and is suitable for skiers of all abilities. Not as well-known as its neighbour, Vail, this helps it remain a more relaxed, less crowded resort.

Klosters

The Swiss ski resort of Klosters is very popular with royalty; Price Charles visits regularly. Private lessons are available for beginners, there are several cross country trails and snowboarders can also find a place to enjoy their sport.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

One of Italy’s premier ski resorts overs a wide area and incorporates 51 slopes. Just under half of the slopes are suitable for beginners, while around 10% of the slopes are for the most experienced skier. It is a great place for skiers of all abilities and cheap ski deals can be found even during peak season.

Val d’Isère

Located in France, just a stone’s throw from the Italian border, Val d’Isere is the home to ski championship tournaments. It is very popular and therefore can become crowded and has runs that can be used all year round. Transport to a variety of different parts of the resort makes this one of the most accessible ski resorts available.

Banff

Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff has plenty of stunning scenery and breath-taking views. From nursery slopes to black runs, Banff has plenty to offer all levels of expertise. Banff is also popular with snowboarders and there are several runs suitable for board use.

Chamonix

Home of the first winter Olympics, Chamonix is located in France’s Rhône-Alps region. It remains one of the most popular and well-known ski resorts worldwide. The resort has over 150km of ski runs and there are runs for all levels of expertise. Some of the trails can only be used seasonally however.

Travel Guest Post: Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah is located high in the mountains in Utah, about 35 miles from Salt Lake City. It is home to beautiful mountain vistas and some of the best skiing in the world. That is no reflection on Park City’s other attractions, of which there are many. It is a world unto itself and unless you have been there, it’s a good bet that you have never seen anything like it. In an area that offers year-round activities of every kind, Park City is a great vacation destination all the time.

In the summer, outdoor events are a daily occurrence. Everything from sporting events, to festivals, to concerts under the stars in the evening; if it happens outdoors, it happens in Park City. If you are the outdoorsy type, there are 350 miles of trails, most of which are on the mountain, where hiking, biking, horseback riding and chair lift rides are the order of the day. The mountains are covered in beautiful forests and wildlife sightings are common. There are 6 world-class golf courses in close proximity to Park City and places to fly fish if that is your hobby. The shopping is fabulous, both in the historic Main Street boutiques and at the nearby factory outlet stores.

Winter in Park City, Utah is a very exciting time of year. The resorts and the mountain are in full swing with skiing season. Skiers come from everywhere to try the slopes above Park City. Snowmobilers, snowboarders, snow shoe hikers and sleigh rides will have your attention. You will see some still riding bikes in the snow (they call this snow biking.) The horseback riders will be back and the hikers will still be hiking.

All year-long Kimball’s Art Center and the Egyptian Theatre are ready to put a little culture in your vacation. Kimball’s gallery is free to tour and they routinely host exhibitions. The theatre has live performances all year. You can choose from concerts, films, comedians and theatrical productions. The Park City Museum and the Ski History and 2002 Olympic Museums at the Utah Olympic Park will give you a little insight into the past of Park City.

Winter is a time for holiday celebrations and some of the biggest events of the year. Christmas in Park City lasts a while. Santa is everywhere; handing out treats and taking notes. Wait until you see the sleigh and the reindeer fly down the mountain! There are parades, fireworks, carolers and horse and carriage rides on Main Street. Park City’s Historic District will look like a snowy Christmas village scene from long ago. New Year’s sees a few celebrations around town, as well.

In Park City special events and entertainment are always happening. After New Year’s comes Sundance Film Festival time; every year, since it was founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Art exhibitions, theatre, musical events; you want it, Park City has it. Fabulous cuisine can be found in Park City’s 100 plus restaurants. They will have room for you when you get there; they have over 12,000 options for your accommodations. You can choose one of the resorts, a downtown hotel, Bed & Breakfast lodgings, a Condo or rental home. They are ready for you and your family to join them for some fun and entertainment.

Author: Rick M. Park City Hotels

Travel Guest Post: Ski Chalet Design

The differences between a log cabin of 200 years ago and the super ski chalets of today, seems strikingly obvious. Where once a log cabin had no heating, hot water, indoor toilet or electricity; the five star fully catered dream homes seem far removed. So, as ski chalets fast become pimped-out snow versions of the Bat Cave, are the humble origins of a mountain cabin still alive?

From the floor boards and wooden clad walls to the large fireplaces, everything about the inside of a ski chalet screams natural beauty and cosy warmth. Wood covers the majority of surfaces, ceilings included, with large exposed beams throughout the chalets. Ski chalets are rarely pushed for space, with open plan living and high ceilings a common trend, and ideal for large get-togethers. To make the most of the awe-inspiring views surrounding the ski chalet, large windows (with top-notch insulation) are essential. Fireplaces are often the focal point to living areas as well as imperative providers of heat. From the outside, ski chalets tend to be angular, reflecting the mountainous landscape in which they stand. The wooden structures tend to feature steep rooflines, exposed beams, and generous overhangs providing decks and balconies for appreciating the views from. Throughout Scandinavia and parts of the Alps it is traditional to have insulating grass covered roofs, which blossom during summer months.

The materials used in the making and the decorating of ski chalets tend to be very raw and natural. This has seen little change over the years. As for decoration, the natural and rustic theme is typically continued with the use of animal fur rugs, leather furniture, antler mountings, gingham curtains, and pieces of furniture carved from hunks of wood. Colour palettes tend to be luxurious warm and dark colours complementing the timber theme. Soft lighting from candles and lamps add to the warm and cosy feeling, with perhaps just the occasional cowbell.

Disregarding the extravagant plasma screens, sound systems, occasional Jacuzzi, and live-in catering staff, ski chalets are fundamentally the same today as they used to be. What sets a ski chalet apart from another home is its setting, its design, and its atmosphere, and this hasn’t changed over time.

Author: Travel guru Tess is a ski enthusiast, and loves Switzerland ski holidays.

 

Travel: Le Village Arc 1950

Le Village Arc 1950 features eight luxury ski-to-door residences in France in the Paradiski area make the perfect ski weekend getaway with all the comforts of being in your own space. The traditional stone and timber Alpine design of the buildings are set with a white snow backdrop and majestic mountains in the quaint valley, with a car-free  environment and cobbled stone streets. Perfect for families or a romantic weekend for lovers.

The grounds feature bar, restaurants,  indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, spa, indoor beach and grocery delivery service. For those craving even more outdoor activities after skiing and snowboarding, try snow shoeing and sledding.

The Deep Nature Spa includes an indoor pool with water features and an indoor beach. The spa features 9 treatment rooms and 3 hammams and luxurious services such as massage, body scrub, a nail bar and hair salon. For the adventurous, check out the ice cave, a dragon cave, a cold water waterfall and four cold water ponds.

For the families, the kiddies will not only enjoy the Spirit 1950 Ski School, but also the Resort Kids Club. The Caribou 1950 Club offers several daycare options, so Mom & Dad can escape to the slopes or have a romantic dinner.

 

For more information or to book: Le Village Arc 1950.

Travel: St. Moritz Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

Each year mouths begin to water and toes start to tap as Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, the Grande Dame of St. Moritz, releases its winter calendar of parties and festivals. The hotel is the ideal destination getaway in either winter or summer with it’s unrequited charm and refined luxury. The Palace hotel has 135 guestrooms including 35 suites with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Historic Hotels. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is open for the winter season from December 1, 2011- April 9th, 2011.

Foodies and culture addicts should mark their calendars for these ‘must do’ events. From the Gourmet Festival to the Snow and Symphony, St. Moritz puts on the ‘Ritz’ for visitors, while Badrutt’s Palace Hotel dazzles guests with its sensational lakeside setting, old-world charm and impeccable service.

Here is a glimpse of this winter’s culinary and cultural highlights in St. Moritz:The 19th St. Moritz Gourmet Festival: January 30 – February 3
The St. Moritz Gourmet Festival offers a bounty of culinary delights. Together with the top chefs from St. Moritz’s leading hotels, international star chefs from three continents pamper the palates of their gourmet guests.

Gourmet dinner with Master Chef: January 31 – February 2
Guest Chef Regis Marcon, awarded 3 Michelin Stars, from Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid in France, dazzles guests by creating a five-course menu or an à la carte dinner in Le Restaurant.

St. Moritz Gourmet Festival: January 31 – February 3
Chocolate Cult in Le Grand Hall – Chef Patisser and traditional chocolate house Sprüngli present a buffet of chocolate creations to melt the heart of every guest.

Funky Kitchen Party: February 1
Kicking off at 10.30pm, Badrutt’s Palace throws the annual much-anticipated Funky Kitchen Party – in the kitchen, of course, as well as in Le Bistro. Master chefs unfold their creations as guests mingle around steaming saucepans and sizzling frying pans. Savour each dish as it is prepared – accompanied by an appropriate champagne, wine or spirit.

The Great Valser Gourmet Finale: February 3
Celebrate with fine champagne and wines at an altitude of 8,000 feet as the Guest Master Chefs gather round the stove to create a multi-course menu at the closing party on the Alpine world of Corviglia.

Palace Chocolate Cult: February 19
An exhibition and tasting of chocolate creations in Le Grand Hall from 3pm-6pm.

The 6th Art on Ice St. Moritz: February 17
World-class ice ballet held at night on the frozen Lake St. Moritz. A magical winter experience.

Guest Chef Tonino Cannavacciuolo: March 1-4:
Award-winning Italian Guest Chef Tonino Cannavacciuolo, awarded two Michelin Stars, from Villa Crespi, Orta San Giulio, Italy, brings his creative cuisine to Le Relais restaurant at the Palace.

Snow and Symphony: March 9 – 25
The 15th annual St. Moritz Music Festival Week.

Easter Pastry Class: April 4
An afternoon with the Palace Pastry Chef making sweet Easter pastries.

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Travel Guest Post: Luxury Skiing in France

There are many luxury ski resorts in France and the best of these attract skiers from around the world, lured into the resorts by the powder and après ski. France has some of the best Alpine skiing in Europe and the French food certainly makes a holiday in the country worthwhile. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a beginner looking for the best crêperie, there will be the perfect French resort for you.

Les Arcs ski holidays, for example, are increasingly popular with British tourists, drawn in by long runs and great accommodation. The resort, which is situated at both 1600 and 1800, overlooks the town of Bourg-St-Maurice. The resort competes with some of the most luxurious skiing areas in Europe and has recently been linked with the neighbouring resort of La Plagne. The total ski area of Paradiski, the two areas combined, is now one of the largest in France. The impressive Vanoise Express cable car has linked the two areas, offering another 225km of fantastic piste country. Now skiers can gain access to two peaks of more than 3,000m, three glaciers, 420km of piste and 175 ski lifts. The resort itself is separated into three levels: Arc 1800 has a good selection of shops and restaurants and is a firm favourite with families. Intermediate and advanced skiers should head for Arc 2000 where you can find the more advanced slopes.

Another star of the French skiing scene is Courchevel. The premier resort attracts the rich and famous from around the world. The shopping and après ski in the area is legendary. The bars in 1850, including Piggy’s and Bar Le Jump, are crowded with both seasonaires and Chanel clad skiers. Whether you are a Roxy girl or a huge fan of Henri Duvillard, there will be somewhere for you to hang out in Courchevel. As the resort spans several areas there is a huge choice of accommodation, from budget to luxury chalet. The many slopes offering a huge variety of skiing opportunities and every level of ability is represented. Whether you fancy off piste or a blue run, you will find that Courchevel has everything you need.

Article by: Gintaras Jovaisas